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NTSB recommends ways to discourage speeding

On behalf of Strong Law Offices posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.

Speeding is a danger in Illinois and around the country, but few may know that speeding is a leading factor in the nationwide rise in traffic fatalities. This is according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB analyzed crash data between the years 2005 and 2014 and found that 112,580 deaths, or 31 percent of all fatalities, involved speeding. In comparison, drunk driving deaths totaled 112,948.

While drunk driving or not wearing a seat belt have a social stigma, speeding does not. This is why the NTSB recommends that punishments for speeding be changed to match those of DUI. It also recommends the use of enforcement tools like speeding cameras, although the latter are banned in several states.

Another problem that the report points out is that current speed limits are largely based on the 85th percentile rule, which does not take into account what speeds have the lowest crash involvement rate. The NTSB recommends setting speed limits based on alternative approaches, such as by studying crash histories and considering the presence of pedestrians. Many cities have tried to protect pedestrians and bicyclists through "road diets", but these meet with resistance in many quarters, including lawsuits. Boston, however, has succeeded in getting drivers to slow down in certain communities through speed bumps, new crosswalks, and bike lanes.

When people are injured in a collision that was caused by a speeding or otherwise negligent driver, they might want to retain an attorney to attempt to obtain compensation for their medical bills and other losses. The attorney will often seek to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault motorist's insurance company. If that is fruitless, a lawsuit is often the next step.

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Contact our lawyers at 866-606-7862 to schedule a free initial consultation in our Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield or Decatur offices. We are also available to meet at your home or at the hospital by request.

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